After taking a fortifying sip of her beer, Aunt Maggie fixes me with her trademark no-nonsense stare. "Alright baby girl, spill it. Don't you dare sugar-coat a damn thing about the fresh hell my racist jackass of a brother has put you two through."
I let out a shaky breath, Charles and Tim's animated chatter on the back patio fading into background noise as I gather my thoughts. Maggie's callused hand covers mine, giving it an encouraging squeeze.
"It's okay, sweetheart. Let it all out. You know I can take it."
Nodding, I finally release the floodgates I've been holding back, recounting every vicious slur, threat, and hateful tirade my father unleashed after learning of the engagement. Maggie's expression remains stoic through most of it, though her eyes grow increasingly stormy.
"...a
